National Take a Walk in the Park Day is today, March 30. Grab your latte, cappuccino or straight black coffee for a stroll in one of Missouri’s beautiful state parks.
With 93 locations across the state, visiting one of the state parks or state historic sites operated by the Missouri State Parks system is the perfect way to celebrate this day. It’s also the ideal time of year for a walk or hike. The trees are blossoming and the grass is getting greener almost by the minute.
There are a lot of parks to choose from, so here’s a highlight reel of just a few:
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park: When you’re itching for adventure, make your way to the highest point of Missouri! Hike Mina Sauk Falls Trail to see the state’s tallest waterfall or Ozark Trail to visit the Devil’s Tollgate, a narrow passage only eight feet across.
Lewis and Clark State Park: If you love wide, open spaces, taking a walk at Lewis and Clark State Park might be your ideal way to spend an afternoon. Stroll around Lewis and Clark Lake and pack a picnic. Located between Kansas City and St. Joseph, this park is a short drive away.
Weston Bend State Park: If you prefer a walk on a paved trail, Weston Bend State Park offers a relaxing environment for a long, leisurely stroll. The three-mile trail takes you through shaded, woody areas and to an overlook with expansive views of the Missouri River.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park: Located just five miles south of Columbia, Missouri, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park offers a walk through a variety of interesting natural features, such as the rock bridge, Devil’s Icebox and an underground stream. You can also explore Connor’s Cave, plus plenty of trails through wooded areas.
Harry S Truman State Park: For those who love to be near water, Harry S Truman State Park is located on a peninsula that reaches out into Truman Lake. There are picnic sites near the lake, so make a day of it!
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site: You’re so excited about National Take a Walk in the Park Day that you decided to make a long weekend of it! When you visit First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, your visit to the historic site might not include much of a walk, but there is a bustling Main Street filled with shops and restaurants just outside.
These are just a few of the beautiful state parks Missouri has to offer for your walking pleasure. Be sure to check out all 93 sites in the state parks system and plan a little time to experience the amazing trails, waterways and historic sites across the state!